"Besides, what about the others who've been infected? Will he draw all the symbiotes into himself?"

Alexander didn't know how to stop Austin, wondering if interrupting would worsen things. Dominic seemed to awaken from his stupor and tried to lift his trembling hand. Austin, surprised by the movement, quickly said, "Stay still! I'll alleviate your pain, you'll recover soon!"

He was excited; Dominic was not. The older man lifted his hand and slapped his grandnephew's face, though his weakened state resulted only in a brush against Austin's cheek. Even so, the movement exhilarated Austin.

"Are you getting better?" Austin grabbed his granduncle's hand. "I knew this method would work!"

"Work my ass!" Dominic, even weakened, spoke harshly. He struggled, but Austin was too strong. "Let go, you brat!"

"I can't. We're halfway there, and I'll soon—"

Before he finished, he saw Dominic struggling with his injured hand. Blood flowed rapidly from the wound, dripping onto the bedsheet. "This method won't work!" Dominic gasped. "Stop it!"

Austin was puzzled. "Why won't it work? Many books say this is the most direct, effective way to deal with these symbiotes!"

He thought Dominic worried about his health and added, "Don't worry about me. I'm strong, I can withstand them!"

"I'm not worried about—" Dominic ceased arguing and looked to Alexander for help.

Alexander swiftly intervened, grabbing Austin. "Enough! Calm down!"

"I am calm!" Austin yelled, yanking his arm away. He looked fierce and wild, his hand bleeding, before suddenly lunging at Dominic, throwing his arms around his waist, knees on the floor, and breaking down in tears. "It's all my fault!"

The impact made Dominic lurch; Alexander steadied him.

"Why the fuck are you crying?" Dominic sighed, his consciousness returning. "As a physician, you should know you can't save everyone," he added. "This is my fate."

"No, it's not! You're suffering because of me. It's all my fault!" Austin hammered his head.

Alexander watched Dominic, stunned by the changes in his body. "Dom, your body…" His words gained their attention. Austin abruptly stopped crying and looked up.